I feel the urge to hit this irrational person in front of me.
While he may be right, and I cannot deny it, the situation is that I was not the mistress. However, Crazy George is mistaken and has made an incorrect assumption. Despite his foolishness, I do not hold any ill will towards him.
Although I am aware of the true identity of Florian's mistress, I have decided not to disclose it. Instead, I will tolerate the false accusations and ridicule I am receiving from him.
I turned around and beamed at Crazy George. Seeing my good mood annoyed him, as he believed I was a vixen, and I even seemed proud. But I don't care about his fit.
"One day, you will regret and be ashamed of all insults you cast at me." With firmness in my tone, I retorted his insults. I flipped my hair and stepped forward, leaving him fuming in rage because I approached Stella and offered her a hand. "Let me help you with the bags."
"Oh, thank you. If I had known I could find nice bags and shoes here, I would have requested a butler to follow us around," said Stella.
"You don't have to worry, ladies. Isn't that why we were here?" Someone spoke behind us; Stella and I didn't need to turn our heads to determine who it was.
And Rowan had already taken the shopping bags from the counter before I could grab them.
"Thanks, Rowan!" Stella said with glee, and her smile seemed genuine. Regardless, the more Stella showed enthusiasm on the surface, the more I perceived she was only trying her best to conceal the loneliness she felt deep inside her heart.
Reckoning she had been going through like this because of Camilla, the more I wanted to do something for Stella. So I didn't hold back as my way to comfort her.
"Where do you want to head next, Stella?" I'm not a person who loves shopping for fancy things. But since I will not spend such a fortune on just one item, I can be the lovely chaperone.
With my query, Stella beamed and replied, "Let's check some casual clothes I could wear on my ordinary days while staying in the city. Well, I heard you plan to visit the countryside. Wouldn't you mind it if I tagged along?"
"Oh. About that plan..." I gaze at Stella, wondering where she heard it.
She must have read my mind as she explained it right away.
"I'm sorry. You might be wondering where I learned about it. I heard your conversations with the older couple during dinner."
That's right. I indeed have this plan with Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. Although I have changed my mind as I am keen to talk to Camilla, maybe visiting the countryside with Stella is a good idea.
"Sure. We need comfortable clothes to wander around." I agreed and followed Stella to the store across from the one we visited just now.
Since I made plans with Stella, I need to talk to Jerry and ask his help to hire a not-too-pricey detective to do the job I am asking him to do. So while Stella and I will tour around, I can get some results.
Once Stella was not stuck in Florian all day, the latter had much time to meet Camilla.
Going to the countryside can be the best diversion for Stella's attention. Florian will be bold to meet his mistress while his wife is away.
"Are you okay, Krishna?" Stella queried when I didn't answer her other questions, but suddenly stopped walking.
I rolled my eyes to find an excuse. What meets my eyes is Crazy George's darkened face. Still, he could not get over it when I countered him a while ago. I think he wanted to reciprocate, but he could not do that when I clung to Stella.
I wished I could put out my tongue like a silly kid. However, I had the impression that Crazy George would have more reason to chastise me if I acted childishly. He only sees me as a money grubber.
George Graham was raised to be superior, so I expect him to be a little mature. But he has a terrible temperament that made him look crap instead.
He is such a spoiled brat in my eyes. So for me, Rowan behaves better. He had a lot of patience, and I had an idea why. It's all because of his dear brother's temperament.
In my apprehension, Rowan is trying to please his big brother. 'Poor Rowan.'
Averting my eyes from the guy, I shook my head and braced myself. I shifted my gaze toward Stella and smiled, saying, "I'm fine, Stella. My eyes just caught some items I wanted to purchase. That scarf looks lovely."
I'm grateful that the mannequin positioned by the window is dressed in a beautiful outfit, complete with a scarf tied around its neck. When I gestured towards it, Stella concurred.
"That color is pretty! Just from one look, I'm sure it was a good fabric."
"I'm thinking of buying four for my friends." I reason out to cover my embarrassment. But Stella has another plan for me.
Stella took me to the entrance and went directly to the sections for scarves and handkerchiefs. There were numerous gorgeous shawls and scarves elegantly displayed in rows.
"Choose five!" Stella urged me. I creased my forehead, but she only grinned at me.
"Are you planning to..." I trailed my entire sentence, confident that Stella understood it without careful thought.
"Consider it a gift!"
"No." I shook my head. "Thank you, Stella. But you don't need to do that."
I declined the offer, not because Crazy George was shooting me a threatened look but because I would feel uneasy accepting anything from Stella.
How could I? After Camilla's involvement? I wish I could do something sooner. Thus, I need to avoid getting too attached to Stella.
"Pretty, please! Just think of it as my gratitude for accompanying me." Stella pleaded with her clear, bright eyes.
For her to do that, I am more embarrassed not to accept it. So I give up and yield. "Okay. But I meant it…. You don't need to do this..."
"I'm happy, and I gotta do some shopping with you. Would you believe it if I said I felt warm and comfortable around you?"
Stella and I shared the same sentiment. Her lively demeanor made it easy for me to confide in her and develop an affection for her personality.
So I am skeptical about why Florian did not fall in love with Stella.
"I actually feel the same." I voiced out what I felt and saw how Stella's eyes twinkled.
"I'm happy to hear that! Now feel free to choose according to your friends' liking. You better know what they like more than me."
"But I trust your fashion sense," I told her, and it pleased her.
Stella beamed and hugged me. "You're so sweet. Actually, you are too. I like how you dress up this way. You look fresh and simply elegant."
"Thank you," I smiled shyly. Uncertain if that was true. I'm only dressing up like a very ordinary person.
"Small thing." Stella winked and added, "I'll go over there to check some trousers."
"Okay. Go ahead."
Stella left, so I continued scanning the scarves displayed in this section.
"How thick is your face to let Stella pay for you?"
'Here we go again.'
I heaved a long sigh inwardly before I met Crazy George's burning glare. He approached me when Stella was not around.
Now he grabbed my arm, so I shrugged my shoulder and replied,
"Don't worry. I will let Stella pay for them. But I will secretly return the exact amount to you. Are you happy now, Mr. Graham?"